Independent New Zealand Tours

Our Independent New Zealand Tours run on scheduled services – coach, train and ferry making our tours very sustainable. Our local knowledge means we can tailor a tour to your specific requirements, and ensure just the right inclusions are part of your package.

It’s seamless! Depart on any day that suits you, and we organise all aspects of your journey. With freedom and flexibility, we can create the perfect holiday for you.

FROM CHRISTCHURCH

FROM QUEENSTOWN

FROM AUCKLAND

FROM WELLINGTON

GROUP AND GUIDED COACH TOURS

For those who like to travel with a driver / guide and the same group of people throughout the journey a fully guided Group Tour is a good option. Group Tours have set departure dates and although the itinerary is also set, many offer “extra” touring options during travel. Often meals are included in the tour cost and these vary depending on the style of the tour you choose.

FROM AUCKLAND

FROM CHRISTCHURCH

FROM WELLINGTON

DAY TOURS & ACTIVITIES

There’s a myriad of activities and day tours available throughout New Zealand. If planning a Self-Guided tour, we can add these into your package. If you require a “one off” day tour or activity, let us know. We’ll have this booked, confirmed and email you a travel voucher in a jiffy.

Independent New Zealand Tours

Our Independent New Zealand Tours run on scheduled services – coach, train and ferry making our tours very sustainable. Our local knowledge means we can tailor a tour to your specific requirements, and ensure just the right inclusions are part of your package.

It’s seamless! Depart on any day that suits you, and we organise all aspects of your journey. With freedom and flexibility, we can create the perfect holiday for you.

FROM CHRISTCHURCH

FROM QUEENSTOWN

FROM AUCKLAND

FROM WELLINGTON

GROUP AND GUIDED COACH TOURS

For those who like to travel with a driver / guide and the same group of people throughout the journey a fully guided Group Tour is a good option. Group Tours have set departure dates and although the itinerary is also set, many offer “extra” touring options during travel. Often meals are included in the tour cost and these vary depending on the style of the tour you choose.

FROM AUCKLAND

FROM CHRISTCHURCH

FROM WELLINGTON

DAY TOURS & ACTIVITIES

There’s a myriad of activities and day tours available throughout New Zealand. If planning a Self-Guided tour, we can add these into your package. If you require a “one off” day tour or activity, let us know. We’ll have this booked, confirmed and email you a travel voucher in a jiffy.

14 Day South to North Tour

A bobby-dazzler! Let us show you New Zealand’s natural splendour on this unhurried 14 day tour. From stunning Mt Cook, rippled blue glacier ice, a splash of lens friendly wildlife and fairytale forests and fiords in the south to the north where a massive Beehive, barren volcanic plains, roaring geysers and thousands of tiny glow worms await. As the old saying goes, variety is the spice of life and this tour has it all.

Day By Day Itinerary

DAY 1 - CHRISTCHURCH / GREYMOUTH / FRANZ JOSEF

Leaving Christchurch city on the TranzAlpine Train, we cross the Canterbury Plains and into the Arthur’s Pass National Park. From Arthur’s Pass our journey is via an 8.5 km long rail tunnel that has been cut through the heart of the Southern Alps. Once on the West Coast we follow a narrow coastal strip of beech forest with spectacular mountain back drops south to the glaciers.

Stay: Franz Josef

DAY 2 - FRANZ JOSEF AT LEISURE

Today enjoy an outing where after a short stroll you can view the glacier from the look out point. You can also enjoy the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools at your leisure today.

Stay: Franz Josef

DAY 3 - FRANZ JOSEF / QUEENSTOWN

Travel deeper into South Westland taking in the spectacle of Haast Pass. Admire the views of many beautiful lakes including Wanaka, Hawea, Dunstan and Wakatipu before arriving in Queenstown.

Stay: Queenstown

DAY 4 - QUEENSTOWN AT LEISURE

A free day for you to enjoy this fabulous resort. We have included the Skyline Gondola in your tour. There are dozens of activities available. Something for everyone.

Stay: Queenstown

DAY 5 - QUEENSTOWN / MILFORD SOUND / TE ANAU

A full day tour to the World Heritage listed, Fiordland National Park. Enjoy cruising Milford Sound and viewing the spectacular waterfalls and towering Mitre Peak.

Stay: Te Anau

DAY 6 - TE ANAU / DUNEDIN

High country tussock soon gives way to the lush pastures of Southland and Otago as you travel through Gore and Balclutha arriving in Dunedin. This afternoon enjoy an Otago Peninsula Tour. Cruise the length of the harbour and watch as fur seals swim and play, view ocean birds including albatross and enjoy a guided tour of Penguin Place.

Stay: Dunedin

DAY 7: DUNEDIN / QUEENSTOWN

Free time this morning in Dunedin which boasts some beautiful architecture – a quiet stroll around the city can be most rewarding. This afternoon travel through the Central Otago hill country to Queenstown.

Stay: Queenstown

DAY 8: QUEENSTOWN AT LEISURE

A second free day for you to enjoy this fabulous resort style town. Time for more activities, a spot of shopping or simply time to relax in one of the many cafes.

Stay: Queenstown

DAY 9: QUEENSTOWN / MT COOK / CHRISTCHURCH

Travel north through the rugged Kawarau Gorge to Cromwell and up over the Lindis Pass to Mt Cook National Park. Free time at Mt Cook before following the foothills of the Southern Alps via lake Lake Tekapo and through the Canterbury Plains into Christchurch.

Stay: Christchurch

DAY 10: CHRISTCHURCH / WELLINGTON

Today you have the option of spending the morning in Christchurch or taking an early flight to Wellington to spend the day there. You will need to make your own flight arrangements to fly between Christchurch and Wellington – you can arrange your flight at anytime today.

Stay: Wellington

DAY 11: WELLINGTON AT LEISURE

Today you have a full day at leisure to explore New Zealand’s capital city and the birth place of Sir Peter Jackson. We are happy to suggest sightseeing options. Perhaps a visit to Weta Cave, Te Papa Museum, take a ride up the Cable Car or head to Cuba Street for a slice of Bohemia and boutique shopping.

Stay: Wellington

DAY 12: WELLINGTON / ROTORUA

Journey north out of the capital city, along the Kapiti Coast and over the Manawatu Plain before skirting the volcanic plateau to Taupo and on to Rotorua. This evening enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi & Concert.

Stay: Rotorua

DAY 13: ROTORUA AT LEISURE

This morning enjoy a coach tour visiting Te Puia, Rainbow Springs and the Agrodome. You have the afternoon free for optional activities.

Stay: Rotorua

DAY 14: ROTORUA / WAITOMO / AUCKLAND

Departing Rotorua, travel north to the Waitomo Caves. Visit the Glow-worm Grotto for a spectacular display of tiny lights emitted by these unique life forms deep in the cave grotto. Continue on to Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’ where your tour concludes.

NOT INCLUDED

Expenses of a personal nature such as meals (except where stated in the itinerary), beverages, travel insurance, laundry and optional sightseeing are not included in the tour cost.

TOUR TYPE - INDEPENDENT TOUR

Independent Tours are not escorted group tours - they are for independent travellers. What this means is that it is not the same group of people travelling on their own coach with a tour leader/escort looking after you. You are travelling independently. However, you are picked up and dropped off at your accommodation each morning and evening and interesting commentary is provided on many sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions – Independent Tours

What is an Independent Tour?
Independent Tours are not escorted group tours - they are for independent travellers. What this means is that it is not the same group of people traveling on their own coach with a tour leader/escort looking after you. You are traveling independently. However, you are picked up and dropped off at your accommodation each morning and evening and interesting commentary is provided on many sectors.

What dates do your tours depart?
The Pacific Travel Independent Iour programme operates on a daily basis (with daily departures) using the services of Great Sights, InterCity, Interislander and KiwiRail. All tours are subject to availability at time of booking.

What is included in the tour cost?
All tours 2+ days in length include coach travel, transfers, accommodation and sightseeing activities where specified. A detailed travel wallet with your travel vouchers and comprehensive itinerary will be sent to your agent prior to your departure or delivered to your pre tour accommodation for you to collect on check in.

I am travelling alone – can I pay the triple or twin share rate and be linked with other travellers?
No, unfortunately. You must pay the single room – per person cost.

I am travelling with children, what price will I pay?
Please contact us for information on child fares, as these vary based on the specific product you require. Some sightseeing activities are unsuitable for children.

Are any meals included in the tour cost?
Our Independent Tours do not include meals. There are exceptions where a picnic lunch is included on particular sectors. The coach does make various refreshment / comfort stops throughout the day where food can be purchased. Each evening you are free to relax and dine at you choice of restaurant either on site if you choose quality class, or just a short walk into town with tourist class. Many accommodation providers offer a breakfast service which can be arranged directly.

Is Halal food available in New Zealand?
Along with a small population of Muslims, New Zealand has an increasing number of Muslim visitors. Halal food and restaurants are now found in many areas of the country.

Do Independent Tours have a tour escort?
As these tours are Independent, you do not have an escort traveling with you. However all coach drivers are experienced professionals. They will share their vast knowledge of our country with you by providing an informative commentary on most routes.

Can I add in additional nights to a tour?
Yes you can. All tours are very flexible. Please ask one of our Travel Consultants for extra nightly rates.

What is the difference between quality and tourist class accommodation?
Quality class: Hotel style accommodation with a restaurant on site, 4 star standard. At times 4 star motor lodges are also used. Tourist class: Self contained style accommodation with ensuite bathrooms and kitchenette facilities, 3.5 – 4 star standard. Breakfast provisions can be purchased from these properties but you will need to go to the town centre to purchase your evening meal. We endeavour where possible to book accommodation that is within easy walking distance of the centre of town.

What if I cannot find exactly what I am looking for on the website?
Let us know what is on your wish list to see and do and we are more than happy to help you plan a customised tour.

How much luggage can I take on my tour?
Each passenger may take 2 pieces of luggage (max 25kg each). For safety reasons, each passenger is limited to one carry on item (max 5kg). We also advise you check the maximum baggage allowance with your chosen airline.

How do I make a payment for a tour?
For bookings made more than 30 days prior to travel, Pacific Travel require a NZ$500 per person or 10% of the value of the package price (whichever is greater). This is a non-refundable deposit. Balance of payment is due 30 days prior to travel. For bookings made 30 days or less prior to travel, full payment is required at the time of booking. Visa & MasterCard are accepted forms of payment. All prices advertised are in New Zealand dollars and are GST inclusive.

What is your cancellation policy?
If after your booking has been confirmed you wish to cancel, the following cancellation fees will apply: Cancellations 31 or more days prior to travel: Your deposit plus a further 10% of the total package price. Cancellations 15 – 30 days prior to travel: Deposit + a further 20% of the total package price. Cancellations 0-14 days prior to travel: 100% of total fare (no refund). Booking amendments made by you: an amendment fee of 10% of total package price will be charged to cover our administration and communication costs. We may also need to pass on any amendment/cancellation fees imposed by our suppliers.

Conditions of travel
Pacific Travel reserves the right to alter fares, amend itineraries, book alternative accommodation or to cancel tours. Pacific Travel Ltd shall not be held responsible for any loss or damage to luggage or personal effects and/or damage resulting in death or personal injury, which may arise whilst travelling with Pacific Travel Ltd or its nominated suppliers. All transportation, both land and sea, is subject to the terms and conditions of the company providing the transport, some of which limit or exclude liability. These are available from the carriers concerned on request.

Will I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance. Factors may arise that require you to cancel or amend your holiday, so it is essential you are covered for any costs that may be incurred. We recommend purchasing your travel insurance locally at the same time as you book your tour and flights. Unfortunately Pacific Travel does not sell travel insurance.

Do I need to tip in New Zealand?
If you wish to reward someone for a job well done it is always much appreciated.

Do I need a visa to visit New Zealand?
Most visitors to New Zealand do not require a visa to enter for the purpose of a holiday or vacation under the visa waiver program. If you do need a visa to visit New Zealand then you should contact the New Zealand consulate in your home country well before your departure date. We recommend you also check with your local travel agent or airline for any visa requirements to New Zealand particularly if you are passing through Australia.

What currency is used in New Zealand?
The New Zealand dollar is the only legal tender in New Zealand. View a guide between your local currency and the New Zealand dollar. Please note: Your tour and all purchases using a credit card in New Zealand will be charged in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) at the current exchange rate at the time of purchase. The above currency conversion page is to be used as a guide only.

14 Day South to North Tour

Tour Type: Independent ToursTour Code: 14DFrom $4,200 Per PersonDeparts: Daily Except 25 DecemberA bobby-dazzler! Let us show you New Zealand’s natural splendour on this unhurried 14 day tour. From stunning Mt Cook, rippled blue glacier ice, a splash of lens friendly wildlife and fairytale forests and fiords in the south to the north where a massive Beehive, barren volcanic plains, roaring geysers and thousands of tiny glow worms await. As the old saying goes, variety is the spice of life and this tour has it all.Enquire about this tour